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The dogs of Venezuela

Venezuela is undergoing a major economic and social crisis, with shortages of basic foods and medicines. Triple digit inflation is hitting everybody hard, including those who own pets. Venezuelans struggling to feed their families let alone their pets are dumping animals on the streets, in parks and at makeshift homes overrun with scrawny animals amid an economic crisis.

From left to right, Maria Silva, Milena Cortes, Maria Arteaga, Jackeline Bastidas and Gissy Abello pose for a picture at the Famproa dogs shelter where they work, in Los Teques, Venezuela. An hour from Caracas in Los Teques, hundreds of dogs bark and run around the streets scavenging for food outside the makeshift shelter. People come by every few hours to hand over scrawny dogs which are fed by volunteers every day. (CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS)

La China is pictured at the Famproa dogs shelter in Los Teques, Venezuela on August 16, 2016. La China died the following week after the photo was taken. "The loving but fearful dog did not like to leave the space where she slept, even to eat," said Maria Silva who takes care of dogs at the shelter. (CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS)

"Sonrisa" (smile), was given that name, because when someone approached her, she was frightened as if she were being beaten, but showing her teeth as if she were smiling." Sonrisa also died the following week after the photo was taken. (CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS)

Petete has spent over eight years in the shelter. "When the dog arrived, he had worms and sores on a leg. It was hard to heal and even when it did, his leg never fully functioned again. He is loving, but only until it is meal time, because then he fights with everyone and bites anyone who comes close." (CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS)

Cucurucha has never been given up for adoption because she is very nervous. When someone approaches, she begins to whine and react immediately. She never fights with anyone, but she likes stealing food from the other dogs." (CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS)

Tomy "arrived at the shelter on a Sunday two months ago. A man on a motorcycle left him saying that he had found him in the middle of the street and did not want to leave him there, but strangely, the man knew his name." (CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS)

Ojitos (eyes) has been given that name because she has blue eyes. "She arrived at the shelter two years ago and from the very first moment has always been very loving. She never fights with the others. She has been offered up for adoption on many occasions, but no one wanted to keep her." (CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS)

Enfermera (Nurse) was given that name because she was rescued by a nurse outside of a hospital. "She suffered a stroke and although she never recovered completely, she is a very good guard dog. She lives outside of the shelter and when someone approaches, she starts barking." (CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS)

Bolibomba "arrived at the shelter two years ago and is very playful. She loves water. Whenever she can, she gets inside a bucket or bowl with water. If she lived in a house with a pool, she would never come out of it." (CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS)

Gusaniao (wormy) was left almost dead in a box outside the shelter a week before being photographed. "He was full of worms, literally, eating him alive, but after a week of medication and care, he finally started to eat well and is recovering." (CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS)

Atro was given his name for Atropelledo (run over). "A few years ago someone left him outside the shelter after he was hit by a car. He underwent several surgeries to try to save his leg, but it was not possible. Since then he has been very lonely, he does not like to interact with other dogs." (CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS)

Wed., Sept. 7, 2016

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